Shifting Priorities: Banks Increase CSR Investment in Health and Climate While Education Funding Declines

Seven banks in Bangladesh decided not to spend anything on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in 2024. This was highlighted in a recent report by Bangladesh Bank, which showed that overall CSR spending by banks decreased, particularly in education.

In 2024, banks spent a total of Tk616 crore on CSR initiatives. During the last half of the year, they contributed Tk307 crore, a slight decrease from Tk309 crore in the first half. For education, the spending dropped significantly from Tk64 crore to Tk44 crore.

On the other hand, healthcare-related expenditures rose. Banks allocated Tk83 crore for health in the latter half, up from Tk72 crore earlier in the year. The most remarkable change occurred in environmental efforts, where spending more than doubled from Tk7.34 crore to Tk15 crore.

Despite these shifts, seven banks—BASIC Bank, Bangladesh Krishi Bank, Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank, Bangladesh Commerce Bank, Citizens Bank, National Bank, and Padma Bank—did not allocate any funds for CSR at all throughout the year.

Interestingly, the trend of banks shifting focus from education to health and environmental initiatives reflects a growing prioritization of urgent global issues. According to a recent survey conducted by the Global Sustainable Investment Alliance, financial institutions worldwide are increasingly committed to sustainability. In fact, 35% of global investments now prioritize environmental and social governance (ESG) criteria over traditional sectors.

Additionally, social media platforms like Twitter have been buzzing with discussions around CSR. Users are keen to see how banks balance their responsibilities amid the pressing needs of society, especially as climate change impacts become more evident.

In summary, while the reduction in CSR spending on education raises concerns, the increase in health and environmental investments indicates a shift toward pressing global challenges. The decision of some banks to forgo CSR spending entirely suggests a need for reassessment of their roles in community welfare. As the landscape of corporate responsibility shifts, it will be crucial for banks to find a balance that addresses both immediate societal needs and their long-term impact on the environment.



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